Dr. Julius M. Wilder:
Featured Speaker at The Gut Patrol Health Symposium By Gabriel Brown
Dr. Julius Wilder is the bridge between social justice and social science. The awardwinning physician leads studies that focus on diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and digestive system. His work also studies how societal factors affect a person’s health. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 100,000 people were diagnosed with Colorectal cancer in 2023. The disease is the 3rd most common cancer in the United States. Despite a decrease in diagnoses in older populations, young and minority people have been on a steady incline since the 1990s. The National Institute for Health reports that African Americans have the highest incidence and mortality rate of colorectal cancer of any ethnic group in the United States. Some of these disparities can be attributed to access to care, screenings, ethnic diets, and genetics. Dr. Wilder’s work as a physician, professor, and researcher aids in the national fight to close healthcare disparities. This work includes ensuring current and future research studies include populations most impacted by this deadly disease and improving health literacy interventions. At The Gut Patrol Health Symposium, presented by The Connection Place, Dr. Wilder discussed these disparities and what people can do right now to save their lives and the lives of their families. A healthy gut comes down to diet and exercise. Reducing sodium and processed foods in meals, as well as regular movement can slow down the deterioration of your gut. Dr. Wilder said, “We need to discuss colon cancer in communities of color because we are disproportionately impacted by colon cancer. We are more likely to have colon cancer. Similarly, we are diagnosed later, which means the cancer is more advanced and harder to treat. Screening is an effective way to identify potential polyps and eliminate the lesion that can become cancer before it happens. We know that screening works and reduces death from colon cancer.” He further stated, “Liver Cancer outcomes are worse in communities of color as well. This is complicated by the fact that many of the leading causes of liver cancer are more prevalent in communities of color. Especially hepatitis C. Communities of color need to make sure they have properly undergone screening for liver diseases such as hepatitis C. Furthermore, it is important that in the event that they have liver disease, people are seen by a specialist who can manage and monitor them for potential complications, including liver cancer.”
TCP Magazine Fall, 2023 • Page 14
